Join us online on Wednesday, 14 May at 3 pm BST for Building a more sustainable supply chain – turning purchasing power and industry influence into planet impact.
Our guest speakers for this session are SSA Group‘s director of sustainability and climate action, Brian Albaum, and vice president of restorative strategies, Andrew Fischer, alongside Colley Hodges, director of sustainability at Houston Zoo.
Using real-world examples, they will share how strategic retail decisions and culinary procurement have led to more responsible sourcing, reduced waste, and industry-wide shifts. Attendees can expect to:
- Understand how zoos, aquariums, and cultural attractions can leverage their collective purchasing power and industry influence to drive sustainability in supply chains.
- Learn practical strategies for engaging suppliers, setting sustainability standards, and fostering partnerships that align with conservation goals.
- Gain insight into real-world case studies where strategic procurement decisions have led to a measurable environmental impact within the attractions industry.
Meet the speakers
Brian Albaum is SSA Group’s director of sustainability and climate action and leads programmes that promote sustainable practices and environmental stewardship for over 90 cultural attractions. With a passion for innovation and impact, he oversees initiatives that cut waste, save resources, and encourage sustainability in visitor experiences.
See also: Empowering experiences: SSA’s vision for the future of attractions
As SSA Group’s vice president of restorative strategies, Andrew Fischer is responsible for spearheading, creating, and advancing SSA’s conservation, sustainability, and Climate Action Plan initiatives.
He joined SSA as retail general manager at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where he developed an industry-leading sustainability and conservation program for the group’s nationwide locations. This work continues to impact the sector today.
Fischer serves on the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Green Science Advisory
Group and AZA Business Operations Committee liaison, is the liaison for four Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) programmes on the AZA Wildlife Conservation Committee, and supports international sustainability programmes with the World Association of Zoo and Aquarium (WAZA) Conservation and Environmental Sustainability Committee.
Architect Colley Hodges directs the Houston Zoo sustainability department, which was honoured by AZA as the top sustainability programme in the country in 2024. Hodges leads the implementation of the Zoo’s Sustainability Action Plan, including wildlife-saving projects such as single-use plastic reduction and bird-safe buildings.
Additionally, Hodges has contributed to sustainability advisory groups for multiple organisations and has been recognised by the business and design communities.
Join us at greenloop 2025
The fifth edition of greenloop, blooloop’s annual online conference for sustainability in visitor attractions, is taking place this year on 13 and 14 May. The event seeks to inform and inspire with top speakers, cutting-edge science, and practical insights.
In today’s rapidly changing environmental and political landscape, keeping informed and taking action has never been more vital. Attendees will discover what the science tells us, find out what industry leaders are doing, and learn how they can make a real difference.
Tickets for greenloop 2025 are priced from just £10 per person, to ensure that the event is open to all those looking to take positive steps towards making our sector more sustainable.
